National Museum of African American History and Culture

Washington, DC, United States

In collaboration with The Freelon Group, Adjaye Associates and SmithGroup.The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)–the institution and the building–embodies the African American spirit. The NMAAHC will be a building worthy of the museum’s vision—and its prominent place on the National Mall.The primary architectural idea for the museum was derived from the classical tripartite column with its base, shaft and capital. In Yoruban art and architecture, the column or wooden post was usually crafted with a capital resembling a crown. This crown or corona form is the central idea which has driven the design of the museum. Reaching toward the sky, the bronze clad corona expresses faith, hope and resiliency.Davis Brody Bond and The Freelon Group led the programming study for the museum which was completed in the fall of 2008 and are intimately familiar with the mission of the museum. The building design will take up to three years, with construction to begin in 2012. Set to open in 2015, the 350,000 square foot museum’s total cost is estimated to be $500 million, including design.